Implant Dentistry - Dental Implant Questions

If you have one or more missing teeth, you should try to replace them. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to drift, which will lead to further problems with your bite, making it harder to eat and to speak.

Without teeth, your jawbone will recede or diminish, and your gums collapse. This alters the shape of your face. Numerous health problems follow missing teeth, ranging from malnutrition and digestive difficulties to chronic gum disease and blood infections as well as TMD and Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Dental implants are in many cases the best option for replacing teeth, but other options include dental bridges and dentures.

How can I ensure long-term success with my dental implants?

The long-term success of your dental implants depends on several different factors. The most important of these is the amount of and quality of bone in your jaw. To ensure that your jaw does not decay too much, it is best to replace missing teeth as soon as possible.

Second, the ability and experience of your cosmetic dentist will play a major role. Last, the quality of the restoration that is placed on top of your dental implant is crucial. Although the implant itself is expected to be a lifetime restoration, the crown may need to be replaced in ten years or so.

Who is qualified to place a dental implant?

Watsonville Implant Dentist, Dr. Forsberg works closely with a number of qualified periodontists or oral surgeons to ensure the best possible results from your procedure. He can refer you to someone with whom he has worked on a number of occasions to achieve great restorations for people with one or more missing teeth.

Who restores the teeth and places the dental appliance on top of the implant?

Dr. Forsberg will take an impression of your mouth and design the crown or fixed denture to sit atop the implant or implants. He will fit these appliances to ensure your smile is not only functional and healthy, but beautiful as well.

Are dental implants limited to patients of a certain age?

No. The quality of the bone available to place the implant is the main determining factor in eligibility. A patient of any age may be eligible for dental implants.

What might prevent me from being a candidate for a dental implant?

Physical problems such as poor bone quality or low nerve bundles may prevent you from being a good candidate. Certain medical factors may also prevent you from being a good candidate for a dental implant procedure. These may include:

• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatments
• Parathyroid disorders
• Bone disorders
• Bone marrow cancer
• Blood disorders

Dr. Forsberg will discuss your medical history and recommend any tests necessary to verify your eligibility if necessary.

How often should my dental implants be rechecked?

The longevity of your implants is highly dependent on how well you maintain them. They must be professionally cleaned by a hygienist experienced in dental implant hygiene. You must also be sure to see your implant dentist every 3-4 months for check-ups. Finally, you must practice good oral hygiene through daily brushing and flossing in order to properly maintain your dental implants.

While he does not perform dental implant root placement procedures, Dr. Forsberg does offer the crown, bridge, or denture implant restoration procedures which cement or lock the restorations on top of the implant roots to secure the implant restorations. He also offers Advanced hygiene and periotherapy treatments that can maximize the life of your implants and prevent the loss of other teeth.

At Advanced Smile Designs of Aptos, California, we are dedicated to recommending and providing the best advice and treatments for your individual needs. To learn more about dental implants, or to schedule an implant dentistry appointment, please contact implant dentist, Terry W. Forsberg, DDS today. Serving the areas of Aptos, Capitola, Watsonville, and Santa Cruz County.